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Science/Technology
Funding Mobile Strategies for Social Impact: The Future Is Now
Despite the critical role mobile technology has played in the political reform movements that have rocked the Middle East and in supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti, philanthropic investment in mobile for social change in the United States has lagged, a report from Zero Divide finds. According to Funding Mobile Strategies for Social Impact: The Future Is Now (25 pages, PDF), funders should look beyond fundraising campaigns and social media and support mobile strategies designed to broaden program impact, in part by bridging the digital divide for those without computers or broadband connections. Among other things, the report cites examples of services that inform disadvantaged jobseekers of employment opportunities via text message; enable anyone with a smartphone to upload photos, video, or audio to human rights advocacy sites; and connect immigrants to citizenship services. Funded by the Vodafone Americas Foundation, the report lists the key elements of success for any mobile program that targets underserved communities, including building partnerships with the community to foster trust and awareness and forging strong ties with technologists.
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